°Battle of The Cowpens°

   From his camp, eastward of the Pedee, Greene sent Morgan, with the Maryland regiment and Washington's dragoons of Lee's corps, across the Broad River, to operate on the British left and rear. Observing this, Cornwallis left his camp at Winnsborough, and pushed northward between the Broad River and the Catawba, interposing his force between Greene and Morgan. Aware of Tarleton's approach, Morgan retired behind the Pacolet intending to defend the ford, but Tarleton crossed 6 miles above when Morgan made a precipitate retreat. On his right was a hilly district, which might afford him protection, but rather than be overtaken in his flight, he prepared to fight on the ground of his own selection. He chose for that purpose the place known as “The Cowpens," about 30 miles west of King's Mountain.

   He arranged about 400 of his best men in battle order on a little rising ground. There were the Maryland light infantry composing the centre, under Lieut. John Eager Howard, and Virginia riflemen forming the wings. Col. William Washington with eighty dragoons were placed out of sight as a reserve, and about 400 Carolinians and Georgians, under Colonel Andrew Pickens, were in the advance to defend the approaches to the camp. North Carolina and Georgia sharpshooters acted as skirmishers on each flank. At eight o'clock on the morning of January 17, Tarleton with 1,100 troops rushed upon the republicans with loud shouts causing a furious battle. In a skilful movement, Morgan turned so suddenly upon his pursuers, who believed the victory was secured to them, that they wavered. Seeing this, Howard charged the British lines with bayonets, broke their ranks, and sent them flying in confusion. Washington's cavalry broke from their concealment, and made a successful charge upon Tarleton's horsemen. The British were completely routed, and were pursued about 20 miles. Seventy-two Americans were killed and wounded. The British lost over 300 killed and wounded, and nearly 500 made prisoners. The spoils were two cannon, 800 muskets, horses, and two standards. The cannon had been taken from the British at Saratoga, and retaken from Gates at Camden. The Congress gave Morgan the thanks of the nation and a gold medal, and to Howard and Washington each a silver medal.